In these stressful times, we’re like the disciples in the upper room. Jesus comes to console them with words of peace. They were still fearful and doubt-filled, just like many of us.
         Today’s Gospel parallels yesterday’s Emmaus story but now involves the wider group of Jesus’ disciples who are trying to make sense of what’s been happening. Jesus comes among them and wishes them peace, which is his special gift. It’s the usual greeting of ‘Shalom,’ but it now has an enhanced meaning in the context of the Resurrection. Before the Passion, Jesus told his disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world do I give it to you…” Now the peace of the Risen Jesus is full of messianic blessings.
         Despite what they hear, they’re terrified and think they’re seeing a ghost. Jesus asks them, “Why are you troubled?” He shows them his pierced hands and feet. Luke emphasizes that the Risen Jesus is the same as the man who had made them his disciples. His wounds are still evident but Jesus is back with his friends and doing all he can to help them to believe.
         He invites them to touch him. Ghosts don’t have flesh and bones. As he shows them the wounds in his hands and feet, their fear turns to a mixture of joy and astonishment. Jesus then asks them to give him something to eat. Ghosts don’t eat and Jesus is no disembodied spirit.
         As he did with the Emmaus disciples, Jesus explains how everything that happened to him was in harmony with, and the fulfilment of, the Law, the prophets and psalms. This mention of three fundamental parts of the Hebrew scriptures underlines that Jesus is the Messiah who was long foretold. As a final help to them, he opens their minds to the Scriptures so that they can take in the truth of Easter --that Jesus is the Christ.
         Finally, Jesus tells them, “You are witnesses of these things.” Through baptism and by our faith we are equally called to be witnesses. If we don’t take on this mission, then people won’t hear Christ’s message of reconciliation and forgiveness. If we do accept it, when and how are we going to witness to those around us?


Alleluia! Alleluia!